Hump Day - The middle of a work week; used in the context of climbing a proverbial hill to get through a tough week. I look at Wednesday as a virtual sliding board, to which I get to slide down into the weekend!

Let’s do it…!!

Sparkle vs. Sparkle

As a fan of originality, I’m not always on board for remakes, covers, etc. The latest being the remake of the film “Sparkle” The original was released in 1976 and starred Lonette McKee as sultry ‘Sister’ (how many of you started calling your big sister “Sister” after seeing this!?) Irene Cara gave a convincing performance as the innocent “Sparkle” and Dwan Smith gave a griping portrayal of the ‘other sister’ as Delores. Now considered a cult classic, who can forget the tragic scene of Sister succumbing to her pimp of a boyfriend Satin when he felt she didn’t thank him for the fur coat? Or the heartbreaking task of Sparkle getting Sister’s ‘fix’ because, “Sister can’t fly on only one wing.” And the soundtrack produced by the musical genius Curtis Mayfield that included the queen herself Aretha Franklin singing “Something He Can Feel” (later covered by En Vogue) and “Hooked On Your Love” just to name a couple. There was, and still is a little heat about the actual movie score not being released. Maybe somebody will (I’m going to see if I can pull the songs from my DVD – I’ll keep you posted!)

Now we have the remake of this classic coming out Friday. The biggest buzz of course, it is sadly, Whitney Houston’s last piece of work as the trio’s mother, ‘Emma’ (Effie in the original). Starring as ‘Sparkle’ is Jordin Sparks (was that done on purpose??) Mike Epps as ‘Satin’ (really???) Derek Luke as ‘Stix’ (remember Phillip Michael Thomas – pre Miami Vice!) Carmen Ejogo as ‘Sister’ and Tika Sumpter as ‘Delores’ I haven’t heard anything about the substance of the film other than we’re going to be blown away by our dearly missed Whitney’s rendition of “His Eye is On The Sparrow”  The soundtrack is receiving some lackluster reviews. Comparing it to the Mayfield original is just unfair, but that’s what happens when you try to re-create greatness! Let’s talk about it next week after it opens…I’m curious to know what you think about it!

Pop Some Popcorn!



"Black Mama, White Mama"



I’m going to give you two movie titles from the Blaxploitation list today (and maybe going forward) number 48 “Black Mama, White Mama” released in 1972 and starring the vivacious Pam Grier (she got top billing even in the title!) She plays a prostitute sentenced to a women’s prison on some remote third-world island. Chained to another woman (yes, she’s the White Mama!) they escape and thus begins the adventure! Brace yourself for the campy cat fights!



"Hell Up In Harlem"

Number 47 is “Hell Up In Harlem” with the football star-turned movie actor, Fred Williamson, Gloria Hendry, Julius Harris, and Margaret Avery (Shug!!). Williamson returns in this sequel to “Black Caesar” (later on the list) and delivers the goods in this action packed flick – complete with corny one-liners and the hippest threads on the screen. (I told you I was bringing ‘Hip’ back!) Enjoy!

Something to Think About…

Take a moment today to enjoy the day. If you’re working, and your surroundings accommodates (and weather), eat your lunch outside. Take 10 minutes and just muse on the goodness of the day. Clear out the negative and navigate some positivity to flow into your spirit. I dare you to allow yourself to have a peaceful moment today.

‘Til next time!

 Quote of the day

“"I must do something" always solves more problems than "Something must be done.”” ~Author Unknown